Page 471

"A lady of refinement and ambition, pursuing her dreams. I believe no woman in Hong Kong can surpass her."

Mai Huade's words were laced with pride.

He had encountered women of Hong Kong, no, he had seen countless Asian women who were content with mediocrity. They lacked the courage to pursue their dreams, willingly nesting beneath a man's protection, like caged golden songbirds.

Beautiful though they might be, they failed to ignite a man's desire to conquer.

A lady with a touch of wildness and elegance is the dream lover men aspire to.

Add to that, power.

He was confident that the astute Zhou family would know how to choose wisely.

At that moment, a striking young lady approached gracefully, her haute couture Chanel black gown elegantly hugging her slender figure.

In just a second, she captured the attention of most in the grand hall.

Aware of the awkward atmosphere that had settled.

The foreigners' unfriendly gazes were not unnoticed by Chu Yuening.

She raised an eyebrow.

Just moments ago, she hadn't missed Mai Huade's words.

"Mr. Mai, there are truly too many outstanding women in Hong Kong. They possess thoughts, abilities, and talents that don't require comparison with anything or anyone. The reason you haven't encountered them is to some extent because..."

She smiled.

"You have limited knowledge."

Chapter 157

Mai Huade had been the Governor of the Hong Kong Government for two years, and he had never seen anyone dare to confront him directly. His blue eyes filled with confusion as he looked at Zhou Zhi, "Who is this young lady?"

Zhou Zhi immediately recognized the jewelry Chu Yuening was wearing – it was the set he had given to his savior.

Upon realizing this,

He smiled and said, "She's an esteemed guest from my family."

Xu Dan couldn't help but cover her mouth in surprise. "Ning Ning?"

Chu Yuening also recognized Sister Dan. She never expected that the sister she used to go shopping and have coffee with was actually Inspector Zhou's mother.

She playfully winked at Xu Dan. "Sister Dan, the world is indeed small."

Mai Huade's expression darkened slightly. The British had asked him to cultivate ties with Hong Kong's elite. Even if Hong Kong were to return to China, he would still need to bring its prosperous economy back to Britain.

Since she was an esteemed guest of the Zhou family, he naturally didn't want to offend her. However, he still needed to regain his lost face, or how could he be the governor of Hong Kong?

"Miss Chu, you might have misunderstood. I was just introducing my daughter to the Zhou family. My daughter was born into nobility, a true lady of grace and refinement. I'm sure she surpasses Erice's unknown sweetheart in every way."

"As old friends, it would be best for our families to become even closer," Mai Huade said, ending with a subtle jab while smiling.

"Hong Kong is a society of elites. Your accent gives away that you're from the mainland, doesn't it? You value freedom and equality, so you may not understand the spirit passed down through generations in our ancient families."

"I apologize, but I truly fail to comprehend your family's values," Chu Yuening said with a faint smile. "I wonder how your esteemed daughter would feel if she knew she was being showcased and boasted about as mere collateral or merchandise."

Mai Huade fell silent, inwardly pondering a counterstrategy.

Yet, the girl continued, "Mr. Mai, there have been many gentlemen who have served as the Governor of Hong Kong since its founding. You are the only one who would compare women as goods. This so-called gentlemanly behavior from British nobility has truly broadened my horizons."

"There are only two years left until the handover of sovereignty. Before you leave completely, please learn to respect women."

Some in the audience couldn't help but silently cheer her on.

Many ladies had heard Mai Huade's remarks, but due to his position as the Governor, they dared not voice their discontent.

Now that Chu Yuening had spoken up on their behalf, these ladies felt much better.

After all, outstanding women never needed to be compared. For Mai Huade to belittle all the women of Hong Kong just to secure an alliance with the Zhou family, such behavior was truly detestable.

Mai Huade's face darkened, and Madam Mai, with her lace-gloved hand, nervously caressed the rose on the side of her hat.

"Mr. Mai," Zhou Zhi beamed, "Our family is purely Chinese-born and bred. We're accustomed to the full Chinese banquet, finding Western cuisine hard to digest."

In one sentence, he had made his stance clear.

Mai Huade's face contorted into a colorful mix of emotions, but he couldn't afford to lose his cool. After all, he still had at least two years in his position, and offending the Zhou family would hinder his efforts to ally with others.

With suppressed anger, Mai Huade led his wife away.

Xu Dan couldn't hold back her laughter, giving a thumbs up. "Ning Ning, you're a real heroine. You left that foreigner speechless with just one sentence."

"How can a Hong Kong woman compare to his daughter? He's ridiculous." Zhou Zhi fumed. "If I were his daughter, I'd be furious. Studies are tough, and after finally achieving some success, she's treated as a tool for political marriages. It's better to acknowledge a roast pork as a father than him!"

"Ah Zhi," Xu Dan looked at him, reproachful. "To be honest, do you share the same view as that foreigner, believing that a woman's worth lies only in her looks or career, used solely to decorate the family? A stepping stone for a man's political ambitions?"

"Hey," Zhou Zhi felt wronged. "He's him, and I'm me. Doesn't our family value women highly too?"

"I'm not sure, let's go inside and discuss it properly." Xu Dan grabbed Zhou Zhi's collar and, turning back, waved playfully at Chu Yuening.

"Ning Ning, Sister Dan has everything you need. If you lack anything, just ask the family," said Chu Yuening with a gentle smile on her fair cheeks.

A breeze swept by, lifting the stray hairs from her face.

She turned and offered the gift box with a bright smile, "Officer Zhou, happy birthday to you."

Zhou Fengxu gazed at the elegantly dressed girl, his palm moist against his pants.

Seeing that he didn't take the gift, Chu Yuening nudged it closer, curiosity flickering in her eyes, "I picked this out for a long time. Don't you want to open it and have a look?"

Finally, in response to her anticipation, Zhou Fengxu opened the gift box.